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Colombia FARC peace talks: expert comment from Dr Tom Long

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Following news that the Colombian Government and FARC rebels are close to a peace deal, Dr Tom Long, Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Reading said:

“The talks had already come much further than any of their failed predecessors, but this is the first time when Colombia will really be able to say, ‘Yes, the war as we know it will end’.

“The meeting itself is crucial in terms of selling this peace deal to the Colombian public. President Santos has to convince a skeptical public. The presence of the international community, especially reassurances from the US, UN, OAS, and international financial institutions, will be important in communicating support for the implementation of the peace.

“A final peace deal is close. However, rather than the devil being in the detail, the devil will be in the implementation. Many things could go wrong, even if the deal enjoys wide public support. If FARC members become targets, the peace could collapse. If some "frentes" reconstitute themselves as criminal bands, the peace could be meaningless in many parts of Colombia. If peace doesn't bring economic improvements or allow the displaced millions to return home, it could frustrate rising expectations.”

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